Effort brings top softball pitcher to Troy for clinic

Dr. Brett Winchester of Winchester Spine & Sport partnered with R-III School District’s Charley Branham and Softball Head Coach Lance Richardson to bring renowned pitcher Monica Abbott to Troy. Abbott dedicated a day to training local pitchers at the Ninth Grade Center in Moscow Mills, instructing them on the pitching techniques that transform athletes into top-level pitchers.

Among Abbott’s career honors, she set the record for the most strikeouts in a Division 1 softball season and was named NCAA Division 1 Softball all-time leader in career wins, strikeouts, and more. She’s the 2007 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year; the 2007 Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year; and played for Team USA.

Abbott came to Troy at the request of Dr. Winchester and Dr. Randi Davis, who together lead Throwing Consultants, which supports collegiate and professional throwing athletes and their coaching staffs.

“Dr. Davis and I travel the country working with some of the finest throwing athletes, helping them to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury,” said Dr. Winchester. “It’s important that, whenever we can, we share this level of expertise and experience with our community and its budding talent. There’s so much to learn from an athlete like Monica Abbott. We sincerely appreciate the support of R-III’s leadership, especially Coach Lance Richardson and Charley Branham, who were instrumental in helping to make this clinic happen.”

Currently, Abbott plays professional softball in Japan and for the Chicago Bandits.